Can a Juvenile Sex Offender Go to School?

 Posted on February 20, 2025 in Juvenile Crimes

Juvenile sex crime prosecutions for things like revenge porn and child pornography have increased during the age of cell phones. It is easier than ever for teenagers to photograph or film other minors in sexual situations, with or without permission. Incidents of minor-on-minor sexual assault are being taken much more seriously today than they may have been in the past. Minors who are convicted of a sex crime are placed on the juvenile sex offender registry. Traditionally, registered sex offenders are not permitted on school grounds. Up until now, many juvenile sex offenders have been permitted to keep attending brick-and-mortar schools in Maryland.

However, a new bill that passed the Maryland legislature in April of 2024, will prohibit juvenile sex offenders from attending school in person with other students. If your child has been accused of a sex crime, you should reach out to an aggressive Towson, MD juvenile sex offenses attorney immediately. Being convicted of a sex crime, even as a juvenile, can have lifelong repercussions.

Maryland’s New Juvenile Sex Offender Law Explained 

The main purpose of the new law is to make schools safer by preventing juvenile sex offenders who could be a threat to other students from attending. The issue is further complicated by the fact that juveniles who commit sex crimes and their victims frequently attend the same schools, and the law is designed to favor the victim.

The new rules will not apply to all minors who have been convicted of a sexually-oriented offense. Only juvenile offenders who are placed on the juvenile sex offender registry would be barred from attending school in person. Juveniles are only forced to register in serious cases where the defendant has committed a sexually violent offense like rape and the court believes he or she is at risk of recidivism. Juveniles are not placed on the registry for low-level sex crimes like indecent exposure.

How Can Juvenile Sex Offenders Get an Education?

Juvenile sex offenders are only prohibited from attending in-person schools where they would have access to other children. Minors who are on the sex offenders registry can still attend virtual schools, be homeschooled by a parent, or be taught by a private instructor. All children, including those with criminal histories, are entitled to an education. However, obtaining a quality education can be harder for students who are barred from attending school. Not all students learn online as well as they would in a classroom. The parents of juvenile sex offenders will likely need to become more heavily involved in their child’s education to help the child keep pace with his or her grade level.

Contact a Baltimore County, MD Juvenile Sex Crimes Lawyer 

Seger Law, LLC is experienced in helping juveniles who have been accused of serious sex offenses. Aggressive Towson, MD juvenile sex offenses attorney Chelsey Seger will fight to keep your child’s opportunities open. Contact us at 443-208-4692 for a complimentary consultation.